World’s first eye transplant recipient displays remarkable recovery after 21-hour surgery

The recipient of the world’s first whole eye transplant has displayed a remarkable recovery just over a year after undergoing 21 hours of surgery involving more than 140 healthcare professionals.

Aaron James, 47, from Arkansas, lost his left eye and most of his face after an electrical cable touched the left side three years ago.

He has had surgery to replace his face - which included receiving a new eye.

More than a year later, his donor eye continues to maintain normal pressure and blood flow.

Doctors say this raises hope that one day, whole-eye transplants could be performed to restore sight – despite Mr James still yet to regain his vision in his left eye.